Additional Achievements

Maryland EXCELS recognizes child care and Public Prekindergarten programs that provide services above and beyond those outlined in the standards. Programs that attain these additional achievements will be acknowledged in the Find a Program portal on the Maryland EXCELS website.

	Accredited Program Programs that have demonstrated quality standards and achieved accreditation by an agency recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education are eligible for the Accredited Program Achievement.
	Asthma & Allergy Friendly The Asthma, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Prevention and Management Training, sponsored by MSDE, helps participants acquire relevant knowledge and skills to ensure an asthma- and allergy-safe childcare environment and identify and manage asthma and allergy emergencies. Programs earn the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Achievement upon successful completion of the training.
	Cultural and Linguistic Competency Culture influences all aspects of a child’s development and frames his or her experiences of early learning. When an early childhood or school-age program accepts “the legitimacy of children’s home language, respects the home culture, and promotes and encourages the active involvement and support of all families including extended and nontraditional family units,” it is exhibiting cultural and linguistic competence. (NAEYC, 1995) Programs earn this achievement by completing the Cultural and Linguistic Competency Application and the Pathways to Cultural Competency Checklist. Email MarylandExcels.msde@maryland.gov for more information.
	Eco-Friendly Program Early education and school-age programs become greater community partners when children and staff protect the environment with their practices. Programs achieve the Eco-Friendly Program Achievement by participating in at least one of these initiatives: Children’s Environmental Health Network: Eco-Healthy Child Care® National Arbor Foundation: Nature Explore Program National Wildlife Federation: Eco-School USA Program Maryland Green Schools Additional requirements for Center-based and School-Age Only programs housed in a Maryland Green School is a signed letter from a school administrator or Green Leader certifying that their program upholds the Maryland Green Schools standards within their program.
	Health and Wellness The early years set the stage for healthy life-long habits. Committing to serving healthy foods and promoting physical activity have positive impacts on child development. Programs earn the Health and Wellness Achievement by successfully completing the Let’s Move! Child Care: Healthy Kids, Healthy Future program.
	Quality Business Practices Successful programs have sound business practices and strong organizational structure in addition to providing quality child care and early education. Following the completion of Strengthening Business Practices training, programs will use the Maryland EXCELS Quality Business Practices Additional Achievement Application to assess their practices and plan improvements. Email MarylandExcels.msde@maryland.gov for more information.